Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter out for up to six weeks with broken thumb

Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after breaking his thumb.

Last Updated: 29/04/13 5:22pm

Craig Kieswetter: Somerset wicketkeeper faces up to six weeks on the sidelines

The 25-year-old sustained the injury during the final day of the drawn County Championship match against Warwickshire at Taunton on Sunday and the club have confirmed a fracture to his right thumb following X-ray results.

Director of cricket Dave Nosworthy said: "Obviously this is very disappointing for us at this stage of the campaign but it is also disappointing for Craig.

"This was a freak accident and with him in such good form and in a good frame of mind with the bat and gloves, it has come at a bad time.

"However, he goes about things in a professional way and with a good rehabilitation programme already planned we will have him back as soon as possible."

Jos Buttler, who replaced Kieswetter as England's limited-overs keeper this winter, took over the gloves for Somerset against the Bears and is now set for an extended stint behind the stumps.

The news also deals a further blow to what were already slim hopes of Kieswetter making England's Champions Trophy squad.

Kieswetter was named in the 30-man shortlist by England but with Buttler and Jonny Bairstow ahead of him in the pecking order he was included largely as back-up.